We’re pleased to work with some of the finest retailers in the world. Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, David Orgell in Los Angeles, Vernissage in Aspen and exclusive boutiques around the world.
The attention to detail and variety of these retailers complements our own sense of beauty and craftsmanship.
Decorative pillows are often overlooked when creating an interior space. They offer significant focal points that add texture, color and detail which makes for a more sophisticated décor. We’ve created a collection of pillows made from the classic silk scarf (or carre) by the world’s top designers.
These scarves are sought after worldwide and are truly pieces of art deserving of display in the finest wardrobes, and now, homes.
Meticulously crafted, each pillow uses an authentic scarf from designers like Pucci, Dior, Hermès and Versace. The scarf is inspected, cleaned and carefully pressed. Once prepared, we select a complimentary silk backing made of 100% Italian silk. The backs are sewn together and a hidden zipper closure is created so that the filling can be easily removed when dry cleaning the cover.
We use Trillium for the filling which is superior to goose down. It is denser, hypoallergenic and retains its form and density over time.
Our Vintage Hermes Carres Collection uses original Hermes scarves renewed and carefully sewn to our selection of Italian silk backings
We offer an exclusive collection of some of the most desirable Hermes scarves. These authentic Heremes scarves are large (90cm x 90cm) and are outstanding examples of Hermes’ artistic genius.
We work with you to select a silk backing, advising on color to match your interior design.
The Distinction of Italian Silk
When it comes to luxury textiles, Italian silk is in a class of its own. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, impeccable quality, and stunning designs, Italian silk has long been synonymous with elegance and luxury. But what sets Italian silk apart from other types of silk? In this article, we delve into the distinctive characteristics that make Italian silk a cut above the rest.
One of the key factors that distinguish Italian silk is the meticulous attention to detail and traditional production techniques employed by Italian artisans. For centuries, Italy has been at the forefront of silk production, perfecting the art of sericulture and silk weaving. The country’s rich heritage in silk craftsmanship is evident in the impeccable quality of its silk fabrics.
The silk used in Italian production is primarily derived from the cocoons of the mulberry silkworm, known for producing the highest quality silk. Italian silk producers prioritize sourcing their silk from the most reputable farms, ensuring superior quality right from the raw material stage. The careful selection of the finest silkworms and stringent quality control measures ensure that only the best silk is used in Italian silk production.
One of the distinguishing features of Italian silk is the lustrous sheen it possesses. Whether it is a sumptuous silk tie, a luxurious silk blouse, or an opulent silk drapery, Italian silk exudes a radiance that is unparalleled. This inherent shimmer is a result of the superior dyeing techniques employed by Italian textile artisans. They have mastered the art of achieving vibrant and long-lasting colors, creating silk fabrics that are both visually striking and timeless.
Durability is another hallmark of Italian silk. Thanks to the meticulous craftsmanship and superior raw materials, Italian silk is known for its longevity. The tight weave of Italian silk fabrics makes them resistant to fraying, ensuring that they stand the test of time. This durability is particularly important when it comes to garments or furnishings that are exposed to frequent use and wear.
Italian silk also boasts a distinct softness and smoothness, making it a pleasure to wear or touch. The delicate fibers of Italian silk are expertly woven to create a fabric that is incredibly soft against the skin. This supreme comfort is particularly valued in silk garments, as it ensures a luxurious and indulgent wearing experience.
In addition to its superior quality, Italian silk is also known for its captivating designs. Italian textile designers have an unrivaled mastery of combining intricate patterns, bold prints, and vibrant colors to create visually stunning fabrics. From delicate floral motifs to intricate geometric designs, Italian silk fabrics offer a wide range of options to suit every taste and style.
Italian silk is synonymous with craftsmanship, luxury, and elegance. The combination of traditional production techniques, superior raw materials, impeccable quality, and exquisite designs sets Italian silk apart from other types of silk. Whether it is in the form of clothing, accessories, or home furnishings, Italian silk adds a touch of sophistication and refinement to any setting.
In conclusion, Italian silk is the epitome of elegance and quality. Its rich history, meticulous craftsmanship, superior raw materials, and captivating designs make it a true luxury textile. When it comes to silk, nothing compares to the sheer opulence and grace of Italian silk.
The birth of the profession is attributed to Charles Worth, who opened the first true Parisian couture house on Rue de la Paix in 1858, offering bespoke, handmade garments to the most fashionable members of society. In 1945 the term Haute Couture became a legally registered designation of origin – similar to Champagne or Gorgonzola – meaning haute couture clothing can only be produced in Paris. Over the years the number of couture houses have waxed and waned but it has always been a very exclusive club.
In modern times, who is and isn’t allowed to designate their collections as haute couture is decided by the Chambre Syndicale’s board of directors. This board is presided over by Ralph Toledano (president of the FHCM) alongside members Pietro Beccari (Christian Dior), Delphine Bellini (Schiaparelli), Riccardo Bellini (Maison Margiela), Philippe Fortunato (Givenchy), Bruno Pavlovsky (Chanel) and Sophie Waintraub (Jean-Paul Gaultier).
However, in recognition that extraordinary design talent does not hail from Paris alone, the Chambre Syndicale also grants ‘Correspondent’ membership to houses based outside the city. There are currently seven Correspondent members: Azzedine Alaia, Elie Saab, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Versace and Viktor & Rolf. In addition to this, the Chambre Syndicale invites a number of ‘guest members’ to show during Haute Couture week in Paris each season. These members, which currently include Ralph & Russo, Guo Pei and Iris Van Herpen among others, may only use the term ‘couture’ to describe their collections but can graduate to full haute couture status after two years (four consecutive seasons).
So what does a design house need to do to qualify for haute couture recognition? Most importantly, it must create made-to-measure clothing for private clients and include personal fittings as part of the production process. It must also have a workshop in Paris (if not a Correspondent or guest member) employing at least 15 full-time staff and 20 full-time technical workers and present two collections per year (in January and July) comprising both formal and daywear looks.
– Source
Members of the Chambre syndicale de la haute couture at the end of 2023:
Adeline André
Alexandre Vauthier
Alexis Mabille
Bouchra Jarrar
Chanel
Christian Dior
Franck Sorbier
Giambattista Valli
Givenchy
Jean-Paul Gaultier
Julien Fournié
Maison Margiela
Maison Rabih Kayrouz
Maurizio Galante
Schiaparelli
Stéphane Rolland
Correspondents
Atelier Versace
Elie Saab
Fendi
Giorgio Armani Privé
Iris Van Herpen
Ulyana Sergeenko
Valentino
Viktor & Rolf
Guest members
Aelis
Ashi studio
Balenciaga
Charles de Vilmorin
Christophe Josse
Gaurv Gupta
Georges Hobeika
Imane Ayissi
Juana Martín
Julie de Libran
Maison Sara Chraibi
Rahul Mishra
Robert Wun
Ronald van der Kemp
Thom Browne
Yuima Nakazato
Zuhair Murad
